Voters are now required to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at some elections.
This applies to:
- UK parliamentary elections, including general elections and by-elections
- District council elections and by-elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
Forms of ID you can use to vote
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- a passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory
- (for elections taking place on or before 30 April 2025) a passport issued by an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
- (for elections taking place on or after 1 May 2025) a passport or passport card issued by an EEA state, or a country whose citizens are Commonwealth citizens
- a driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
- a biometric immigration document
- an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- a Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- (for elections taking place on or after 1 May 2025) a Ministry of Defence Form 100 (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card)
- a Blue Badge
- a national identity card issued by an EEA state
- an Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
- a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
- an Oyster 60+ Card funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
- a Freedom Pass
- a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit The Electoral Commission or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you don’t have photo ID
If you do not already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
Alternatively you can complete a paper application form and send it to us. To request an application form, or if you need help with applying, contact us.
Video about using photo ID to vote
More information
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to The Electoral Commission.